Press Releases

PIA Announces Leading Keynote Speaker for the 2016 President’s Conference

Published

8 years ago

December 1, 2015

Printing Industries of America (PIA) announces Catherine Monson of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., as the leading keynote speaker for the 2016 President’s Conference, March 6–9, 2016, at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, CA. Monson’s session, What It Takes to Be a Successful Leader: A Component of Leading a Positive Transformation, will kick off the speaking section of the event on Monday, March 7.

Monson was named CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., in December 2008. She brought a strong background in management and business leadership, and more than 30 years of franchising and analog and digital printing experience having been a key member of the management team that transformed the PIP and Sir Speedy networks. Known for her mentoring leadership style, Monson always concerned herself with the franchisees on both a business and personal level. She continuously strives to bring that same style of involvement to the 600 worldwide FASTSIGNS® franchises and more than 100 employees that comprise the FASTSIGNS International corporate team.

Since joining the company, Monson has strived to advance the brand from that of just a sign and banner provider to a visual ideas and comprehensive solutions provider for businesses. Many may recognize her from an appearance on the two-time Emmy Award-nominated reality series “Undercover Boss” in May of 2012. The show followed her as she slipped anonymously into the rank and file of her company to examine the inner workings of the organization.

Monson joins an extensive list of well-respected profit leading speakers from the graphic communications industry. “Catherine’s session will certainly hit home with a lot of business owners in the industry,” said Julie Shaffer, Vice President, Education and Marketing, Printing Industries of America. “The idea of transforming your business is something we’re hearing a lot of these days. We’re excited to share what Catherine has learned through her own transformation of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and, in the past, PIP and Sir Speedy.”

The 2016 President’s Conference targets business owners, presidents, CEOs, and their executive management teams to enforce leadership skills and unlock essential business strategy transformation suggestions. The event kicks off with a golf tournament and bocce tournament followed by three days of leadership-focused sessions and networking opportunities. CEOs, presidents, and owners are encouraged to bring their financial executives along to take advantage of the financial sessions offered at the conference. Companies who send more than one person can receive a significant discount on additional registrations.

For more information on speaker sessions or to register for the event, visit www.printing.org/presidentsconference.

Let’s Talk About It

Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Screen Printing Industry

LET’S TALK About It: Part 3 discusses how four screen printers have employed people with disabilities, why you should consider doing the same, the resources that are available, and more. Watch the live webinar, held August 16, moderated by Adrienne Palmer, editor-in-chief, Screen Printing magazine, with panelists Ali Banholzer, Amber Massey, Ryan Moor, and Jed Seifert. The multi-part series is hosted exclusively by ROQ.US and U.N.I.T.E Together. Let’s Talk About It: Part 1 focused on Black, female screen printers and can be watched here; Part 2 focused on the LGBTQ+ community and can be watched here.